Salt River Horses Gain Protections with Ducey Bill Signing

The iconic Salt River horses have secured protection from a planned roundup by the U.S. Forest Service, thanks to a bill signed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. This legislation ensures their safety for the next 19 months, marking a significant victory for horse advocates.

A planned roundup last summer triggered massive protests to protect the wild horses in their natural habitat near Saguaro Lake, in the Tonto National Forest. Arizona legislators and members of Congress intervened, leading to the indefinite postponement of the roundup, which could have resulted in the horses' slaughter.

The newly signed bill mandates the Arizona Department of Agriculture to negotiate an agreement with the Forest Service on managing the herd of approximately 60 to 100 horses by December 31, 2017.

Republican State Rep. Kelly Townsend of Mesa, who sponsored the bill, expressed her appreciation for the Forest Service's cooperation. "I have a newfound respect for the Forest Service, especially Tonto National Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth and his willingness to find a solution," she stated at a Capitol news conference.

Simone Netherlands, leader of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, emphasized that while the horses are not entirely "out of the woods," the bill's removal of their "stray livestock" classification is monumental. This change protects the herd from being vulnerable to removal.

Horse advocates highlight that the herd has inhabited the Salt River habitat for over 80 years, symbolizing Arizona for visitors to the Saguaro Lake recreation area. Bosworth, the Tonto forest supervisor, supported the bill's passage, stating, "I applaud Representative Townsend's efforts to get a bill passed for the state to have a role in managing the horses."

The bill also safeguards the horses from harassment, shooting, or slaughter, although it will only take effect once a management agreement is established.

Originally posted by KPNX